Chapter 31

I pull on another figure-hugging dress and glance at my clock, cursing that it’s almost six, and he will show up at any minute. Picking a long jumper dress over skinny jeans, I re-brush my hair back into its sleek ponytail and turn it into a messy bun to look like I made zero effort. I’m going for the ‘I threw this on and forgot we had plans’ look, finished with a scarf and flats.

Not my regular ensemble on any given day, but this is not any typical day. And I won’t admit I have been fussing with my appearance for almost two hours, driving myself insane with nerves and indecision.

I touch up my neutral makeup, apply a lip gloss rather than my trademark red lip, and scrutinise myself a little too closely. Obsessing, I know I’m doing it because my nerves are on high alert, and I feel ridiculously uncertain.

I look young, pretty girl, almost college student. Not sure I like the look, but it’s not screaming seduction of any sort, and I think at the back of my mind, tha